A well-run bar should have good systems for Cash Management, Inventory Management, Human Resource Management and Customer Relationship Management.

1. Customers: Customers can be a problem for every industry, but when it comes to pubs and bars, they are normally intoxicated and behaving irrationally. This is part of the business and it is containable with good security systems and staff.
2. Cash/Inventory: Bars are a cash business which is great, but is also requires careful cash management and corresponding inventory controls to prevent pilferage and theft. A well-monitored inventory and cash management system will detect most leakages but constant checks are required to minimise residual losses.
3. Management Team: Getting the correct person to lead the team is absolutely vital. In fact, at least 2 very competent team leaders are required, one for the front-end sales and marketing and the other for back-end inventory management and cost control.

There are also issues from vendors, stakeholders and other minor problems, but the main challenges to running a bar revolves around maintaining a strong management team that delivers results.